Testing for Credit

By successfully completing one of the options offered (Challenge, CLEP or Portfolio Assessment) undergraduate students may earn course credit for previous academic and/or prior learning experiences.

Graduate students may satisfy foundation course requirements with the Challenge or CLEP options (either option must be taken during the first term of graduate enrollment).

You may accelerate your program of study and take fewer courses to earn your degree, saving you time and money.

The following are policies and procedures you should know before taking a Challenge Exam, CLEP Exam, and/or applying for Portfolio Assessment (PL) Credit:

• You should consult with an academic counselor before applying for any of the exams/PL credits. 
• All exams/PL credits are for academic credit, and they all carry a fee. 
• All application and processing fees are nonrefundable. 
• All standardized exams/PL credits must fall within the residency requirements for each degree, and you must present a valid picture ID when testing. 
• The university recognizes up to a maximum of 45 credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment. 
• After you are determined to be eligible for any standardized exam/PL, you will be notified by e-mail to your JWU account of the time and location of your exam/Portfolio Development seminar. 
• Portfolio Assessment and Challenge Exams cannot be repeated if failed and may not be substituted for a class previously attempted, or a class in which the student is presently scheduled. 
• Challenge Exam, CLEP Exam, and/or Portfolio Assessment may not be substituted for a class with a grade of F, W, or WF.
• Graduate students must receive a grade of 80 (B) or higher for challenge credit to be awarded; the CLEP Exam requires a passing score of 56 or higher for CLEP credit to be awarded.

Please refer to the Standardized Testing and Prior Learning Assessment brochure for examination and seminar dates, application deadlines and qualified courses. Applications may be completed in Student Academic & Financial Services.

Undergraduate brochure (852K PDF)
Graduate brochure (605K PDF)